When the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Joan Beringer with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, they knew they were taking a young neophyte with little experience playing basketball. At the time of the draft, Beringer was still about 3.5 months away from turning 19.
A large man standing at 6-foot-11, it was easy to see him as Rudy Gobert’s successor at center. Given his young age, though, it’s no surprise that he might still be growing (in height). That's exactly what's happened as he enters his second season. The Timberwolves released their opening-night roster on Monday, and Beringer is now listed at 7 feet.
Beringer’s listed weight for opening night is also 245 pounds, six more than the 239 the Wolves listed him at to begin the 2025-26 season. This added muscle can make Beringer more effective on the glass and when guarding physical big men.
Beringer’s extra inch can be meaningful
Beringer is in store for a much larger role this season, with Julius Randle and Naz Reid no longer on the team. As a rookie, Beringer played just 314 minutes with Minnesota and spent a lot of time in the G League. He should be the first big man off the bench most nights. He will now be playing as a 7-footer rather than a near-7-footer.
This should excite Wolves fans. I’m not saying that extra inch will make Beringer twice the player he would have been at 6-foot-11, but as a rim protector, every inch can matter. That extra inch will also make it a little easier for LaMelo Ball and others to find him for a lob at the rim. In the modern NBA, center play is vital. For the Timberwolves, having some quality rim protection when Gobert is off the court is particularly vital.
Beringer is already a gifted vertical and lateral athlete. This skill set, with some extra size and strength, could help Beringer reach another level on defense.
If he wants to be more like his fellow French big-man teammate, Gobert, does Beringer still have another inch to grow? Realistically, probably not. But more growth could help, and he doesn’t turn 20 until November 11, so there’s a non-zero chance it happens. Gobert has been listed at 7-foot-1 throughout his career, and he is currently listed at 255 pounds, 10 more than Beringer.
All in all, this seemingly minor height change bodes well for Beringer's upside and impact this season.
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